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Information on expat life in Budapest, including health, transport, legal and money.

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Expats and locals share their experiences of life in Budapest, and give a few insider tips too.

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New to town?

Settling in made easier with
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Expat Echo.

summer camps

What to do with the kids this summer? Check out the 2010 summer camps options.

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Health

Dealing with Celiac Disease in Budapest
18/08/2010    
Dealing with Celiac Disease in Budapest

Eating out and shopping for groceries in Budapest while suffering from Celiac’s disease can be quite frustrating.  There aren’t as many options as one might be used to.  Expat Echo has dug up some valuable information to help with Gluten-Free shopping and dining.

Here Comes the Sun, Little Darlin’
02/08/2010    
Here Comes the Sun, Little Darlin’

Sunshine has a positive effect on one’s mood, however the amount of UV radiation that the skin can absorb without the risk of significant damage is limited.
Due to the destruction of the ozone layer, humanity is exposed to ever more noxious ultraviolet radiation, which is responsible for the majority of skin cancers. Therefore, paying …

The European Health Insurance Card
29/07/2010    
The European Health Insurance Card

The EHIC was launched in 2006 to provide free or reduced healthcare for citizens of the EEA anywhere within the community.

Whose Baby?
21/07/2010    
Whose Baby?

Expat Echo investigates the nationality question for expat babies born in Hungary and elsewhere.

Making Sense of Pharmacies in Hungary
20/07/2010    
Making Sense of Pharmacies in Hungary

Laws regulating pharmacies differ from country to country.  Calling in a prescrition over the phone is common practice in the US, but the doctor cannot call in, fax, or email an order in Hungary; a physical prescription is necessary.  The pharmacist can honor the prescription for a month from the date it was written, and …

Bat and Ball Junior Cricket Team Taking Shape
16/07/2010    
Bat and Ball Junior Cricket Team Taking Shape

First off, a hearty congratulations the the Hungarian men’s cricket team, who have advanced to the Euro Twenty20 semifinal in Macedonia.  This Sunday, July 18th, they hope to get one step closer to championship bragging rights by doing away with the Bulgarians. Follow their progress, as well as learn more about the state of cricket …

Szent János Kórház – a survival guide
06/07/2010    
Szent János Kórház – a survival guide

Szent János is Budapest’s biggest hospital. Following an accident, Matthew Shore got to experience its delights first hand…
Tram lines seem innocuous at first glance, but try cycling into one. I knew as soon as I got back up that something wasn’t right. Perhaps it was the fact that my arm seemed to be on the …

Birth in Hungary: How Much Does It Cost?
17/06/2010    
Birth in Hungary: How Much Does It Cost?

If you are pregnant and living in Hungary, you may wonder how much having your baby here will cost you. The answer is not straightforward: There are many factors that influence how deeply you will have to dig into your pockets to receive prenatal care, childbirth attendance and postnatal care.
What kind of insurance do you …

Gastric Balloon Treatment Introduced at Dr. Rose
07/06/2010    
Gastric Balloon Treatment Introduced at Dr. Rose

A new gastric balloon holds promise for achieving weight loss for obese patients.
“Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder with considerable health risks, which can be improved by a sustained modest weight loss,” says Dr. Filiczky, Dr. Rose’s expert in nutrition and healthy eating programs.  “This can be achieved by medical treatment through behavioral therapy, diet, …

Summer Safety Tips
02/06/2010    
Summer Safety Tips

Summer is usually a slow season for pediatricians, because children lead healthy, happy lives on vacation. There is plenty of time for staying up late to catch fireflies, eating sumptuous fresh fruit and engaging in outdoor sports.
The majority of visits to the doctors’ office in July and August are due to accidents, most of which …

Diabetes on the Rise
21/05/2010    
Diabetes on the Rise

Diabetes mellitus has become a major public health problem throughout the world. In 2000, 171 million people were known to have diabetes mellitus. This number is estimated to double by 2030!
Approximately 5-10% of diabetics have type 1 diabetes, and 90-95% have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the type most often diagnosed in …

Expat Moms at Higher Risk for Postpartum Depression
14/05/2010    
Expat Moms at Higher Risk for Postpartum Depression

What is postpartum depression?
The majority of mothers experience mood fluctuations after giving birth. While some degree of sadness, irritability and weepiness, colloquially known as baby blues, in the days or weeks immediately following birth is completely normal, there are other, more serious forms of postpartum mood disturbances that respond best to some kind of professional …

Stretch Those Goals: June 1
12/05/2010    
Stretch Those Goals: June 1

Coming very soon -16 week group training for all those beginning/intermediate runners who wish to complete a marathon in this year.
You will be provided expert advice from Simon Saunders who will share his experience from completing the marathon des sables earlier this year and Lucas Leite from Budapest Outdoor Fitness.   Lucas has run and …

Pre-natal courses in English
14/04/2010    
Pre-natal courses in English

Being pregnant while in a foreign country can be a little nerve-racking!  The best way to ease those nerves is to get informed and learn what should be expected in your temporary home.
Here are some courses available to help you and your pregnancy go smoothly while in Hungary.